Rosy Baroque
I’ve been visiting Rosy Baroque, a women’s vintage clothing shop in Shibuya, for almost 6 years and I’d hazard a guess that their clothing makes up 80% of my wardrobe. I think that these days, I, like many, am not satisfied with the high street shopping experience and a lot of the new clothes that you find there. The experience at Rosy Baroque is different – a clothing treasure trove, where you can make new discoveries and always find inspirational garments.
The clothes here are more like artwork, unique, with their own individual personality and in this way they can be quite striking, so much so that if you don’t treat them in the right way the clothes can end up wearing you. When you get it right though you’re guaranteed to look great and feel it too.
The quality of the clothes have helped distinguish Rosy Baroque as something more that just another second hand clothing shop and famous designers and celebrities such as Stella McCartney, Jill Stuart, Anna Sui, and Joseph Corre have all visited the store, which is also featured in Louis Vitton’s City Guide to Tokyo.
It could be said that most vintage clothing stores in Tokyo are like the electronics shops of Akihabara, stocking products catering to every taste, size and shape and throwing it all together. In contrast, Rosy Baroque has its own identity which they call “sweet sensuality” and if a garment doesn’t fit with this concept they won’t stock it.
Of course by having such a clear idea about the clothing they stock, the store is not for everyone. As soon as you step inside you’ll either turn and run or not be able to tear yourself away.
It’s also worth noting that they specially select clothes which suit their Japanese customers, in terms of sizes and styles which are popular here. In this way although the clothing is western, the collection has a different feel from what you’d find in America or Europe.
If you’re a fan of vintage clothing it’s a place you should definitely go, if you find something you like, try it on, the experience is sure to make you want it. You’ll find the unique character of the clothes meets with your own personality, giving you something totally different.
Words: Mizuki Oyama
Translation: Sam Mokhtary
December 17, 2010
